Acrylic Model Air Paint Set VALLEJO 71.156 — Air War USAF Grey Schemes (8 x 18 ml)

VALLEJO Model Air 71.156 — Air War USAF Grey Schemes is a set of eight acrylic airbrush paints formulated for scale aircraft modelling and military kits. The kit reproduces a range of USAF grey tones used from the 1970s to the present, supplied in 18 ml bottles designed for use with airbrush systems. These acrylics provide consistent pigmentation and flow, making them suitable for basecoats, modulation and thin layered effects on plastic, resin and metal model surfaces.

Advantages

The set offers a curated selection of grey shades that match historical and contemporary USAF schemes, reducing time spent mixing colours. Model Air acrylics are pre-thinned for airbrush use, providing even atomization, steady coverage and predictable drying behaviour. The water-based formula allows easy cleaning of equipment and thinning with water or recommended acrylic thinners, while producing durable, paint-film results appropriate for scale finishes and weathering techniques.

Suitable for

• Scale aircraft modelling (1:72, 1:48, 1:32 and similar)
• Military model kits and dioramas requiring authentic USAF grey tones
• Restoration or repainting projects where consistent grey shades are needed
• Airbrush basecoating, modulation, pre-shading and light weathering

When it may not be suitable

This paint set is formulated specifically for airbrush application; while it can be brush-applied if further thinned and adjusted, brush application may not provide the same finish or coverage as airbrushing. Users requiring exact archival colour matching for historical documentation should verify tones against reference materials, since screen and print reproduction can alter perceived colours.

Key specifications

• Contents: 8 bottles of acrylic paint, 18 ml each
• Finish: matte to satin depending on dilution and topcoat
• Base: water-soluble acrylic emulsion formulated for airbrush
• Suitable surfaces: plastic, resin, metal (primed)
• Application: airbrush; brush application possible with adjustment
• Drying: fast surface drying under normal workshop conditions

How to use

Shake each bottle thoroughly before use to ensure pigment dispersion. For airbrush application, use straight from the bottle for light coats or thin with a few drops of water or a recommended Vallejo thinner to reach the desired viscosity; test on a spare surface and adjust pressure accordingly. Apply in thin, even passes, allowing short drying intervals between layers to build an even finish. After painting, seal with an appropriate varnish to achieve the desired final sheen and protection.

What to consider before purchase

• Intended application method (airbrush recommended for best results)
• Need for primers and varnishes suitable for acrylic paints
• Compatibility with existing paints or additives in your workflow
• Workspace ventilation and appropriate respiratory protection when airbrushing

Usage recommendations

For consistent results, use a fine to medium airbrush nozzle and operate at moderate pressure (15–25 psi / 1.0–1.7 bar), gradually building thin layers. Clean the airbrush promptly after sessions and store bottles capped away from direct sunlight to preserve pigment stability.